Securus Technologies today announced that the company signed on to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) “Keep Americans Connected” pledge. The FCC initiative asks telecommunications companies to take the pledge in order to ensure that Americans do not lose broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“No American – incarcerated or otherwise – should feel disconnected from their loved ones during these trying times,” said Dave Abel, president and CEO of Securus Technologies. “That is why we are proud to sign the Keep Americans Connected pledge, which only deepens our commitment to keeping incarcerated individuals and their families connected to one another.”
Securus worked carefully with FCC staff to help ensure a shared understanding of the pledge within the unique correctional environment in which the company operates and to best assist incarcerated Americans and their loved ones.
Even prior to signing the pledge, Securus was taking steps in accordance with the spirit of the FCC’s request. After President Trump formally declared a state of national emergency on March 13, Securus immediately engaged with nearly 400 agencies across more than 700 distinct facilities to provide services at reduced or no cost. Through April 9, its contributions include:
- More than 4.6 million free call credits for incarcerated individuals and their families, resulting in nearly 33 million free minutes of phone connection;
- Almost 4 million free video connections to friends and families of incarcerated individuals; and,
- More than 2.5 million free JPay Stamps for electronic messaging to about 400,000 incarcerated individuals.
Securus will continue these efforts to keep incarcerated Americans connected to their loved ones throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.